Local fire service rated as one of the best in the country

HMICFRS has spent the last year analysing data and documents and visiting the Service to assess it against three core themes – effectiveness, efficiency and how well it looks after its people.

This is the second full inspection of Dorset & Wiltshire FRS since the Inspectorate took responsibility for fire and rescue in 2017.

The Inspectorate found that the Service was ‘Outstanding’ in the efficiency pillar, an improvement on ‘Good’ in 2019. The Service maintained its ‘Good’ rating across the other core themes – how effective it is at keeping people safe and secure from fire and other risks and how well it looks after its people. This makes it one of the highest-performing fire and rescue services in the UK. The inspection commended the Service for its improvements since the 2019 inspection, its performance during the coronavirus pandemic, and the major incidents it has dealt with. 

Chief Fire Officer Ben Ansell said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Service has once again been independently recognised by the Inspectorate for the excellent work that takes places across Dorset & Wiltshire to keep our communities safe from fire and other emergencies. Despite the significant financial challenges we face, the grading of ‘Outstanding’ in efficiency shows just how well our teams are using scarce resources to deliver our services in a highly effective and innovative way.”

He added: “These results are a credit to our fantastic staff that work really hard in all areas of our organisation to give the best possible service we can to all those who need our help or work alongside us.” 

In particular, HMICFRS praised the Service for its partnership working both inside and outside the public sector, its approach to providing value for money and monitoring performance, as well as its new effective one-to-one performance management process. 

The Inspectors said: 

“We are pleased with the progress the Service has made in the way it looks after its people…. There are many positive findings during the inspection, and we found that all areas for improvements identified in our last inspection have been addressed…. We have identified two areas of outstanding practice and are sure the service will wish to build on this achievement. We look forward to working with the Service as it continues to improve.”

The report also highlights areas where the Service could make further improvements, and these areas are already being considered and progressed as part of internal improvement plans. 

Chair of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority, Cllr Rebecca Knox said: “This is another great outcome for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.  It is extremely reassuring that we have such an efficient and effective fire and rescue service. On behalf of the Fire Authority and the residents we represent, I would like to thank all staff for their professionalism and hard work in delivering this highly skilled service to the communities across Bournemouth Christchurch & Poole, Dorset, Swindon and Wiltshire.”